THERE'S A PLACE FOR EVERY MUSICIAN AT OHS. . .

Symphonic Winds - The Onate Symphonic Winds is the premier student wind band. Comprised of 50+ woodwind, brass and percussion players, the band performs a blend of musical variety. This group is rich in tradition of excellence. It has consistently scored Division I ratings as well as winning many awards.

Symphonic Band - The Onate Symphonic Band is a student wind band, focusing on the fundamentals of high school band. Comprised of 60+ woodwind, brass and percussion players, the band performs a mix of quality band literature. This group is sees students of all levels grow through standard repertoire. It has scored Division I ratings and has had many student receive superior ratings at District Solo & Ensemble contest.

Concert Band - Is a 50-piece ensemble that is comprised of mainly freshman students. This ensemble focuses on sound development and playing technique as well as performs advanced literature in the wind band idiom.

Jazz Ensemble I - “Jazz Workshop” is the premier performing large-ensemble in the jazz program. It features the most experienced student players and concentrates on cutting-edge literature and master works from the big band repertoire. The group performs compositions by Bob Curnow, Bill Holman, Darren Kramer, Gordon Goodwin, Jeff Jarvis, Sammy Nestico, Bob Mintzer, and many others. The "Jazz Workshop" has performed at jazz festivals throughout NM and the Southwest. "Jazz Workshop" is the featured ensemble at the annual Oñate Jazz Festival hosted at Oñate High School, and has performed with guest artists which have included Wayne Bergeron, Eric Miyashiro, Eric Marienthal, Gregg Bissonette, Jeff Coffin, Pete Olstad, Darren Kramer, Marko Djordjevic and many others.

Jazz Ensemble II - “Jazz Lab” is a full big band jazz band. This group is a foundational jazz experience and training ground for Onate band students. This class explores all genres in the jazz idiom. They have performed standards and contemporary arrangements from Joe Zawinul, Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra.

Jazz Ensemble III - "Jazz Foundation" is the developmental ensemble that prepares students in jazz improvisation, style and technique. This ensemble will feature freshman students as well as students who want to begin a secondary instrument.

Jazz Combos - These small ensembles provide students the opportunity to develop jazz performing skills, master standard literature, strengthen improvisational ability, and explore original compositions and arrangements. Placement in combos is by audition and the groups range from beginning to advanced. The combos perform both on and off campus.

Percussion Ensemble - The Oñate High School Percussion Studio, under the instruction of Valentino Leyba and assisted by Dannie Bidwell, consists of percussion students who are involved in all facets of the Oñate Music Program. During the Fall semester the students take part in the RKR Marching Band and develop their skills in marching percussion. The battery and front ensemble enjoy developing and maintaining a book of warm-ups, exercises, ditties, cadences and full-ensemble pieces throughout the marching season. With the end of the marching season, the Oñate High School Percussion Studio turns its focus towards concert percussion, in which two to three different percussion ensembles are established. They focus on traditional and contemporary literature, and a tremendous amount of time is spent on developing each student's percussive technique in all fields of concert percussion. They maintain a high standard of musical and percussive excellence; this is achieved through discipline, dedication and a commitment to put forth the best musical product at all times. Follow RKR Percussion on Instagram!

Colorguard/Winterguard - Colorguard is comprised of dancers and artistic flag design. The Colorguard compliments the visual component of the band and their choreography reflects the style of music the band is performing. Choreography is designed to match the count structure of the music and demonstrate a higher level of performance. The flag design offers a color panel to represent the emotion or feelings of the music and is intended to capture the mood of the musical performance.